Big Peat F��is ��le 2016

Big Peat F��is ��le 2016 is a blended malt Scotch from Douglas Laing, an all Islay vatting with Caol Ila at its core. The Big Peat label gathers Islay malts into one peaty vatting, with the cartoon fisherman on the front.

Islay malts bring the smoke, the lighter Caol Ila style keeping it clean rather than heavy. Refill American oak let the spirit speak, adding a quiet honeyed note. A slow maturation in the cool island air keeps the spirit fresh and oily. Its peated character is built on malt smoked to a medium level of phenols. The spirit's lightness lets sherry, wine and bourbon casks all show through. Phenols from the peat smoke carry the medicinal, lemony edge through the years. Years in oak round the smoke, the peat mellowing while the brine stays. The clean, lemony smoke has made it a favourite of blenders for generations. Malt comes from the Port Ellen maltings on the south of the island.

At 48%, undiluted, it is bold and clean. A coastal peat smoke runs through it, with lemon, brine and a soft oil over a sweet fruit. Soft smoke and citrus sit behind the cask. The close is long, smoke over a citrus lift. A characterful smoky blended malt Scotch.